U.S. Senate (R): Thomas Keith Dismukes, Pat Herrmann

THOMAS DISMUKES

Why are you running?

I'm running because too many people feel like their voice no longer matters. Decisions are being made by a political system that rewards money, influence and insiders instead of hard work, honesty and truth.

I'm not a career politician - I'm a husband, father of five, small business owner and teacher. I'm stepping up because I believe we need leaders who will serve, not rule … who will represent, not manipulate … and who will stand firmly for faith, freedom and fiscal responsibility.

Have you run for political office before? If so, explain:

No, I have not run for political office before. That's intentional. I'm not part of the political machine, and I'm not trying to become a career politician. I'm running to do the job, serve with integrity and then return to my life.

Where and how long have you lived in South Carolina?

I was born and raised in Spartanburg. Associate degree from Spartanburg Tech, B.S. and M.S. from Clemson. Moved to Tennessee for my wife to finish her master's at ETSU and now proudly call York County home. South Carolina isn't just where I live - it's where I've built my life, raised my family, worked, taught students and served in my community.

Current job/profession:

Motivational storyteller, educator, small business owner and youth director at FBC Clover. I work with young people, adults and families and run a family-based agricultural business. My work has always centered around developing people, solving real-world problems and creating value - not talking about it.

What makes you qualified for the seat?

I bring real-world experience - not political experience.

- I've balanced budgets in my own home and business.

- I've worked with people across the country and around the world.

- I've raised a family and understand the pressures families are facing.

- I've taught the next generation and see firsthand what's working - and what's not.

Most importantly, I'm not beholden to PACs, special interests or party insiders. I answer only to the people of South Carolina.

What challenges/concerns do you see in South Carolina (up to 3), especially relating to Sumter and the Midlands, and how do you intend to improve them?

1. Economic pressure and inflation

Families across South Carolina - including Sumter and the Midlands - are being squeezed by rising costs.

My approach: Fight for responsible federal spending, reduce waste and support policies that lower inflation and strengthen small businesses.

2. Growth without infrastructure

We're seeing rapid growth, but infrastructure - roads, utilities and planning - is struggling to keep up.

My approach: Advocate for smart federal support where appropriate while ensuring decisions stay local. Growth should benefit communities, not overwhelm them.

3. Government overreach and loss of trust

People are losing faith in government because they feel ignored or controlled.

My approach: Defend constitutional freedoms, increase transparency and push back against unnecessary federal overreach.

What successes have you seen that you want to build on?

South Carolina has seen strong economic growth, a thriving small business culture and a commitment to preserving our values.

I want to build on:

- Support for small businesses and entrepreneurs;

- Workforce development and skills training; and

- Community-driven solutions rather than top-down mandates.

We don't need to reinvent South Carolina - we need to protect what's working and strengthen it.

Are you actively involved in your community? How so?

Yes, deeply.

- I teach and mentor students and families on a regular basis.

- I lead youth/family programs and outdoor education experiences.

- I organize and participate in community events.

- My wife and I have volunteered as coaches for 68 sports teams.

- My family and I have spent nearly 30 years serving at a camp for children and adults with special needs, training and encouraging both staff and campers.

- I work closely with families and young people to build leadership, character and practical life skills.

- I run a family farm and local business.

Serving others isn't something I started for a campaign - it's how I've lived my life.

PAT HERRMANN

Why are you running?

I am running to restore the safety and independence that defined the South Carolina of my youth. Growing up, my family felt safe enough to hand me the car keys to drive to the beach alone, but today our communities are plagued by a rising tide of violence. I refuse to accept this as the new normal or continue the "federal delay" of career politicians like Lindsey Graham, who has spent 30 years focused on global grandstanding while our infrastructure and security crumble. I am a practitioner who will prioritize the South Carolina kitchen table over the Washington status quo.

Have you run for political office before? If so, explain:

Yes, I currently serve as an executive committeeman for the Horry County Republican Party.

Where and how long have you lived in South Carolina?

I moved to South Carolina at age 18 (33 years ago) to attend Coastal Carolina University and have been a resident ever since. I currently live on a 32-acre farm just four miles from the beach in Myrtle Beach.

Current job/profession:

I am a small business owner specializing in flood mitigation, cleaning and restoration.

What makes you qualified for the seat?

I bring technical competence and scientific precision to a role usually filled by career politicians. My background as a scientist allows me to solve complex issues like failing infrastructure and water flow rather than relying on broad slogans. I will also ensure that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are held fully accountable to industry-standard mitigation practices. I possess the transparency and integrity required to obtain the security clearances necessary for high-stakes committees, ensuring I will never be a "sidelined senator." I am also a small business owner for 26 years, and I was on the Coastal Carolina University Alumni Board for 9.5 years.

What challenges/concerns do you see in South Carolina (up to 3), especially relating to Sumter and the Midlands, and how do you intend to improve them?

1. Infrastructure red tape: The Midlands and Sumter suffer from failing roads and bridges due to excessive bureaucratic delay. I will cut this red tape and ensure these communities receive fair access to federal infrastructure dollars.

2. Economic squeeze and energy scams: Families are being penalized by "Peak Hour" utility traps that hike bills by hundreds of dollars for usage during cold winter mornings. I will end these scams and eliminate the state income tax to put immediate money back into household budgets.

3. Rising crime and public safety: I will move beyond rhetoric by supporting clear, enforceable federal legislation like the HALO Act, which I will fight to expand so we can provide a permanent police presence in our ERs and hospitals to protect our doctors and nurses.

What successes have you seen that you want to build on?

I want to build on the momentum for state autonomy. South Carolina has already voted to adopt permanent daylight saving time, but we are currently blocked by a redundant federal act. I will repeal the Uniform Time Act of 1966 to return that power to our state. Additionally, I want to build on our reputation as a haven for retirees and entrepreneurs by abolishing the IRS and implementing a simplified flat tax that rewards hard work rather than bureaucracy.

Are you actively involved in your community? How so?

Yes. Beyond my role as an executive committeeman, I am a hands-on practitioner in local infrastructure and flood mitigation advocacy. I use my scientific expertise to help residents protect their homes and navigate the failures of the federal flood insurance system, ensuring that real-world solutions are applied to our community's most pressing challenges. I also offer my company's services free of charge to individuals in need, including providing compassionate support to families with loved ones in hospice care during some of their most difficult moments. I also live on a 32-acre farm, where I donate eggs to the underprivileged neighborhood children so they have access to healthy food at no cost. Additionally, I built a basketball court on my property to provide local neighbors with a safe place to play, rather than using an unsafe dirt road with heavy vehicle traffic. I also volunteer at Myrtle Beach Christian Church, located next to my home, assisting in any way needed for church functions. This includes offering the use of my property for church events and organizing community fishing events for locals. I most recently offered the creek to the FOP and veteran outreach.